"Amid the Garbage Crisis in the Essential Environment Era"…What Are Practical Environmental Protection Tips for Daily Life?

Living Gongjakso's 'Kitchen Detergent Eco Bag' Made from Recycled Containers
Marine Waste Plastic Transformed into Bags... 'Kkaekkeuthayeosu Edition'
Coupang Fresh Bag Reduces Annual Styrofoam Use by 30,000 Tons

Saenghwal Gongjakso 'Kitchen Detergent Eco Pack'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the demand for parcel delivery and food delivery has surged, and the use of disposable products has skyrocketed, leading to the largest increase in waste ever recorded. As a result, active efforts are underway to solve the waste problem in everyday life.

According to the Korea Environment Corporation, the average daily waste generation in 2020 was tentatively estimated at 540,872 tons, an 8.8% increase compared to the previous year, marking the largest scale ever recorded. On an annual basis, this amounts to approximately 19.74 million tons, enough to fill 13.16 million 15-ton dump trucks.

As the waste problem, which has increased to disaster-level proportions, has emerged as a social issue, environmental protection has become not a choice but an obligation, and many consumers are actively participating in environmental protection through 'ethical consumption.'

We looked into eco-friendly products for eco-life beginners who want to take the first step toward environmental protection in their daily lives.

The 'Kitchen Detergent Eco Pack' from Saenghwal Gongjakso, a household goods specialty brand, consists of three items: kitchen detergent in a recycled container, a natural loofah, and a cotton pouch.

In particular, the kitchen detergent uses a container made with 50% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic, which recycles discarded plastic or glass after use, reducing environmental impact. When using the provided kitchen detergent refills (3 pieces), plastic usage can be reduced by 75.5% compared to the company's existing products.

The natural loofah is made by drying loofah, a plant from the cucumber family, allowing grease to be wiped off with a small amount of detergent without worrying about microplastics. The cotton pouch is breathable and absorbs moisture well, making it suitable for storing vegetables in the refrigerator or as a substitute for plastic bags, allowing for various everyday recycling uses.

A representative from Saenghwal Gongjakso said, "The Kitchen Detergent Eco Pack is designed so that consumers can participate in solving environmental and social issues through product purchases," adding, "We hope many people recognize the seriousness of environmental problems and join in."

Pleatsmama 'Clean Haesu Edition'

In the fashion industry, 'eco-friendliness' is also a major theme. By using recycled fabrics made from plastic and waste textiles, products that consider sustainability help the environment while allowing consumers to maintain style.

Pleatsmama's 'Clean Yeosu Edition' is a product that transforms marine waste plastic collected from ships departing Yeosu port into bags.

The Clean Yeosu Edition uses recycled plastic collected from Yeosu Gwangyang Port, which Hyosung TNC turns into recycled yarn called Regen Ocean, and Pleatsmama creates fashion items from it. The collection includes a mini briefcase, ball bag, shoulder bag, and tote bag, allowing versatile use according to needs.

One easy way to reduce food waste at home is a food waste disposer. Smartcara's 'Smartcara 400' food waste disposer dries and grinds food waste at high temperatures, reducing the mass of food waste by up to 90%, and sterilizes 99.9% of pathogenic microorganisms during the process.

Its independently developed triple eco-filter captures various odors generated during food storage and processing, eliminating concerns about bad smells. It can be used immediately by simply plugging in the power cord without any separate installation process, so it is not restricted by space or location.

In March 2020, Coupang launched an eco-friendly cooler bag called 'Fresh Bag,' mainly in the metropolitan area. The empty Fresh Bags are collected from customers' homes after delivery and sterilized and cleaned for reuse.

Coupang stated, "As of December last year, Fresh Bag replaces about 310,000 styrofoam boxes daily," adding, "This reduces styrofoam use by approximately 30,000 tons annually, which is equivalent to planting 9 million trees."

Coupang 'Freshback'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.